Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup made from dried split peas or fava beans. Famous as a breakfast dish in the North of Morocco, this soup is hearty, healthy, and contains plenty of protein. its derived from “bees-oro” which means cooked beans.

bissara with green pea

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry fava beans
  • 1 cup dry split peas
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
  • 3 tablespoon of  olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • Salt to taste

Optional Toppings

  • olive oil
  • cumin
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Drain the fava beans from the water and add to the pan, along with the broth and spices and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until fava beans are soft.
  3. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until you get a smooth texture.
  4. To garnish, add a drizzle of olive oil, some cumin and some hot cayenne powder if you’re feeling bold. Serve with a slice of bread and enjoy!